Prognosis

In most cases, bursitis of the hip heals completely after a few days or weeks by sparing the joint and drug therapy. Especially if overloading of the joint was the cause of the inflammation, a good healing process can be assumed. If the inflammation and thus the symptoms occur after an operation or if there is a suspicion of a bacterial cause, the prognosis is somewhat worse.

In these cases it is possible that a chronic inflammation develops and only surgery can lead to a cure. In these cases, complications such as nerve damage, infections or a restriction of movement in the affected joint are much more common. An inflammation of the bursa at the hip can show both an acute and a chronic course.

An acute inflammation usually appears after a minor injury or overloading of the joint. If the patient is treated gently with anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, the inflammation usually subsides within a week. If the pain lasts longer or is very severe, and does not improve even with relief and pain medication, a doctor should be consulted.

Chronic courses can show symptom-free intervals or cause continuous pain. Here, courses of several weeks to months are possible. In such cases, surgery is usually necessary if all conservative measures do not help.

Frequency

The frequency with which bursitis trochanterica occurs cannot be precisely determined on the basis of the lack of data. It can be assumed that the inflammation of the bursa occurs relatively frequently, although only some of the affected persons consult a doctor. The most common people affected by bursitis trochanterica are those in whom the inflammation occurs due to overloading of the affected joint. Risk groups are, for example, competitive athletes, but also occupational groups with increased physical strain. Persons suffering from rheumatoid joint disease may also be more frequently affected by bursitis trochanterica.

Sports and the bursitis of the hip

An inflammation of the bursa of the hip can be caused by over- or understraining during sports. On the other hand, regular and sufficient exercise is important to strengthen the muscles and joint apparatus, which in turn can prevent bursitis and joint wear and tear.Often runners are affected by bursitis of the hip, because high forces and a lot of pressure are exerted on the hip joint. In case of a permanent overload, missing resting phases and lack of stretching, an inflammation of the bursa can therefore quickly occur.

This can be prevented by taking sufficient rest periods and strengthening the muscles and joint apparatus during training. After an inflammation of the bursa in the hip, light stretching exercises can help to support the healing process. However, an extensive sports program should be avoided during the inflammation phase.

The joint must then be spared at all costs. Sports that are easy on the joints such as swimming, cycling and Nordic walking are recommended. Pilates and water gymnastics are also very suitable for keeping fit without stressing the joints.